Mary Tarry
Clean and well-written with endearing characters and outstanding descriptive passages that brought the reader into the world of sci-fi conventions (cons). The author was remarkably creative in her version of classic Cinderella elements (slippers, pumpkins), but by far the best derivation was the fairy godmother who fixes her costume just in time. Cinderella was my favorite childhood fairytale, and I loved this retelling.
Full disclosure: I attended high school in the 80's and I know a little programming.
Nonetheless, this book tackles the ‘coming-of-age' experience with subtly carved characters and a formula-free plot.
Thank you, Mr. Relulak, for this surprise gem!
While well-written, this is a series mystery. A whodunnit that does not reveal whodunnit . . . Unless you buy the next 2, 3, who knows how many more.
Some interesting characters and a few surprises, but the internal dialog of the main character was repetitive.
Why would a talented writer use strong profanity (c%#t) and crude dialog (“he's as slippery as a minnow's d$&k”)? Mr. Bailey, this practice only detracts from the value of your writing! Since females are responsible for at least 2/3 of the fiction market, does it make sense for an author to use the C word?
I will not accept the argument that it was necessary to make the character reprehensible. Profanity is lazy writing, and your villains were sufficiently repugnant in their KKK vestments.
I think this book should be read to expand/challenge ones flawed thinking in regard to success or what makes a “good life.”
As a Christian, many of the author's ideas disagree with my own, but I found others helpful, nonetheless. I firmly believe in absolute truth and my own definition of a successful life is closely tied to my study of the Bible. I think this author is coming from a different belief system.
That being stated, I often struggle with guilt and shame over having disappointed my parents. The book helped me rethink the way I define successful relationships. By redefining my matrix as it relates to my own children, not my parents, I was able to let go of a huge burden. I now have a better understanding of how my previous matrix for success was holding me captive to a false identity and not allowing me to fully enjoy the amazing life I do have!
Obviously, the book contains multiple f-bombs, but at least we were warned right there in the title.
Just Ok for me.
I am a very logical person, and I honestly couldn't understand this book. For eample, the following sentence:
“I . . . believed that I wasn't one of those delicate flower ladies who had to drench herself in silence and green juice in order to function.”
After reading this sentence three times, I just decided I wasn't going to understand it.
At other times, the author contradicts her own advice. For example, on page 91, she describes a time (long after her conversion) when her Spiritual Director tells her, “You're ready, I can sense it. You're ready to truly know Jesus.” On page 160, she warns against “allowing other people to determine your best choices,” and “abdicating authority for my own choices.” I would vehemently argue that allowing another person to convince you that you do not “truly” know Jesus is the most regrettable abdication of self possible!
Having said all that, I was astounded by the chapter “On Disappointing People.” There were some amazing ideas such as:
“You'll be free to love your work, because you're not using it as a sneaky way to be loved or approved of. You'll be free to love the things you give to people, because you're giving them freely, untangled from resentments and anger.”
So this is a book that was helpful, but I would hesitate to recommend due to some vague, flowery passages.
I always like vigilante justice in a plot, but this one was too graphic for my tastes. Well-written; just too close to horror for me.
I prefer balanced characters. The main character, Tess, is a very negative, alcoholic woman who is repeatedly accused of being delusional. At the end of the book, the character experiences a very sudden transformation into a sunny, clear-headed figure. Unless I missed it, the author never puts Tess through the months of therapy she probably needed, but attributed the reformation to a singular life event.
I am an adoptive parent, and the author's knowledge of the subject of adoption seemed to be shallow and idealistic.
Two stars for remarkable descriptive language especially as it pertains to nature. The author really shines her attempts to transport the reader into the New England camp.
Storey's ability to bring ancient figures to life is phenomenal! Early on, I was afraid the book would be boring, then Storey had Michelangelo sneaking around the basilica to carve his name in the Pieta and I was hooked. Truly there is a trip to 16th century Florence with an unforgettable art lesson in this “novel.”
If you liked Curious Incident, this is a must-read.
Julia Claiborne Johnson is one of the most talented, gifted and amazing authors I have ever read.
This character-driven story will stay with me. It might be the best use of multiple POV I have read. The book was hard to read because it is SO sad, but the author's note at the end clarifies her need to be honest with the details however gut-wrenching.
I particularly liked her use of clever metaphors, especially the foreshadowing of the sinking ship (no spoiler - it's on the jacket). Sepetys allows characters to hope and leads the reader on an emotional journey that ends well even if some characters suffer greatly.
The mastery of a good thriller is in the details and Lee Child delivers a fast-paced, twisty thriller where all the minute details fall together perfectly to engage and entertain the reader. I especially loved the many “lessons” in tactical strategy. The final scene delivers a clever twist that gun enthusiasts will enjoy.
When the villains are 100% evil and the hero is 100% good (but self-doubting), the outcome is predictable.
DNF. Arthur Conan Doyle would not approve. Weak premise propped up with needless profanity.
More a set of short stories than a cohesive plot, this book was interesting, but a bit graphic especially with a detailed (somewhat unbelievable) brothel scene.
Bunmi Laditan delivered a hilarious debut novel. The plot is ridiculous (a Cinderella story for moms), but the comedic wordplay and satire (Pinterest breakup) entertain. I admired the way BL used breastfeeding to illustrate the way moms often suffer overwhelm in solitude. I also applaud her for creating flawed heroes and redeemable villains.
This is a clean novel available on Hoopla.
